Aspects of Culture

What is culture?Culture refers to a people’s way of life.

There are 5 categories that define culture

Language, Literature, Art and Music

CultureBeliefs and Religions

Customs

Clothing Food

Holidays Houses

Institutions

SchoolsFamily

Technology and material goods

Major

AnimismThe belief that all things in nature have their own spirit. Animals Mountains Sun, moon and stars Plants

HinduismMost popular religion in modern India

*Believe in many gods (polytheistic)

*Reincarnation. After you die you will be born again as someone or something else

*Karma. If you are good you will be reborn into a higher caste

*Castes System. Social classes

*Sacred Objects. Believe cows are sacred; don’t eat beef

Buddhism*Main religion in Tibet, Japan, Thailand and China

*Buddhists follow teaching of Buddha, who taught selfish desires means human suffering

*Eightfold Path. Buddhist must give up wealth*Nirvana. Live right and you will reach eternal bliss

Judaism*First religion to teach belief in one God (monotheism)

*Old Testament. History of Jewish people told in first half of Bible

*Ten Commandments. Moral code of conduct Ex: Believe in one God

Listen to your parentsDo not killDo not stealDo not commit adulturey

Christianity*Begun by Jesus

*Believe -Jesus is the son of God - Jesus rose from the dead to go to Heaven - If you are saved, you will go to Heaven

*Includes: Catholics, Protestant, and Eastern Orthodox Christians

*World’s most popular religion

Islam*Founded by Mohammed around 600 A.D.

*Muslims believe in one God-Allah (monotheistic)

*Qur'an. Holy book which contains God messages given to Mohammed

*Five Pillars of Faith. Basic religious duties that Muslims must fulfillThere is no God but AllahPray 5 times a day facing MeccaGive money to the poorFast during the month of RamadanMake a pilgrimage (trip) to Mecca

*Popular in the Middle East, South and Southeast Asia

Sikhism*Found mostly in Northern India

*Combines beliefs from Hinduism and Islam

*Believe in reincarnation

*Believe in one God (monotheistic)

*Everyone is equal in the eyes of God

*Men do not cut their hair and often wear turbans over their hair